"I've always loved rugby, but until we met Abbie had never seen a game," he added.

"The first game she watched was Wales v England in 2008. Since then she has become a regular at the Millennium Stadium for Wales matches and we are season ticket holders at the (Cardiff) Blues."

Mr Roberts, who is reading a degree in exploration geology at Cardiff University and Ms Cockerill, who is studying pharmacy, intend to marry when they complete their studies in two years' time.

Ms Cockerill said: "I knew Mark had bought a brick but he told me it said happy birthday and I believed him.

"When we got there, he told me to close my eyes and when I opened them he was on one knee and proposed. That's when I read the engraving. It was really romantic. I'm really happy but I still can't believe it all."